Darwin Nunez Rejection Caused Erik Ten Hag To Change Manchester United Transfer Plans

Erik ten Hag has now changed his transfer plans after Darwin Nunez rejected a move to Manchester United earlier this month.

The former Benfica striker joined United’s arch rivals Liverpool in a deal worth an initial £64 million, with the potential to rise to a club record £85 million.

We are delighted to announce the signing of @Darwinn99 from Benfica, subject to the successful granting of a work permit and international clearance 😍#DarwinDay

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) June 14, 2022

United were said to be interested in bringing the striker to Old Trafford but it soon became clear that Nunez had decided that Anfield was going to be his next destination. And the Red Devils were reluctant to spend more than half of their transfer budget on him, therefore they backed away from the deal, paving the way for Jurgen Klopp’s side to get their man. 

23-year-old Nunez would have been United’s long term replacement for 37-year-old great, Cristiano Ronaldo. 

After missing out on the striker, Ten Hag is said to have changed his transfer plans. 

🗣️ "Manchester United's offer was bigger than Liverpool's but the project of Liverpool playing in the Champions League was very decisive for Darwin Nunez!"

Portuguese football expert Pedro Sepulveda explains why Darwin Nunez chose to sign for Liverpool 🔴 pic.twitter.com/lu8UYcXkGE

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) June 13, 2022

According to ESPN, the new United boss is now looking for a more versatile forward instead of an out and out striker due to the lack of options in the market. 

The name high on United’s wanted list is Ajax winger Antony, who Ten Hag coached during his time in Amsterdam. The Dutch champions are said to be looking for £68 million in order to part ways with the tricky winger, which is much more than what the Old Trafford club are prepared to pay. 

United are also interested in reuniting Ten Hag with another player he coached at Ajax, in the shape of Barcelona’s Dutch midfielder, Frenkie de Jong. It has been widely reported that a deal to bring the talented midfielder to Manchester is inching ever closer. 

Frenkie de Jong deal. Manchester United are always in direct contact with Barça. The verbal proposal now discussed between clubs is around €65m guaranteed fee, after €60m plus add-ons opening bid rejected. 🚨🇳🇱 #MUFC

There are still no changes on player and agents side. pic.twitter.com/RMt3xdIn95

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 26, 2022

The Red Devils are also hopeful that they will be able to lure free agent Christian Eriksen to Old Trafford, the experienced Danish international is currently mulling over offers from United and Brentford. 

A centre back signing is also thought to be high on the agenda for Ten Hag but it is not seen as a priority. They were interested in Ajax defender Jurrien Timber but the Dutch national team manager and former United boss Louis Van Gaal warned him off making the move. 

🗣️ "Louis Van Gaal made it clear that he would not be in his Dutch team if he wasn't playing every week for United"

Marcel Van Der Kraan reports that Louis Van Gaal may have affected Jurrien Timber's potential transfer to Manchester United ❌ pic.twitter.com/Gtn1sOuV2M

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) June 19, 2022

With United set to return to pre season training on Monday, time is ticking for the club to get new players in ahead of the new season. 

Ten Hag will be expected to mount and sustain a charge for the top four places as a bare minimum.